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According to rugby specialists, the young playmaker has demonstrated that he merits the first-choice spot for the national team's fly-half versus New Zealand on Saturday.

Fin Smith produced arguably the best defensive performance observed from an England playmaker in several years.

His courageous approach through regularly completing defensive hits against a physical Fiji side stood out remarkably.

His tactical control was also immense - he showed an excellent balance of finesse and control, while executing several crucial choices during moments didn't proceed as expected during the opening period.

Tackling Prowess Coupled with Tactical Command

His capacity to settle the team tactically and make big calls represents an aspect he has truly mastered.

In my opinion, Fin Smith represents England's primary playmaker and deserves to begin versus New Zealand this weekend.

I think head coach Steve Borthwick sees it similarly too, since Smith has proven he can perform in big Test matches.

Team Selection and Competition

The experienced fly-half began the previous weekend versus the Wallabies for leadership considerations, and part of that choice was to provide continuity and reward his form from the tour to South America.

But England's performance versus the Pacific Islanders was a significant improvement from the performance against Australia.

The Wallabies were defeated in Italy on Saturday, therefore we must not get too carried away with that win, which should have been by a larger margin considering how off the pace the Australians performed.

Fiji, on the other hand, were much more threatening and presented a far tougher test.

Future Prospects

The young playmaker is still only twenty-three - looking ahead two years, with Ford challenging him while providing backup, I believe Smith will find himself in an excellent position as a player.

The Harlequins star must also be regarded as an option when appropriate and against suitable opponents.

He's progressing as a player while beginning to establish himself, but he also needs the freedom to demonstrate his unique qualities.

Substitute Influence

New Zealand introduced Damian McKenzie, who registered the decisive try defeating the Scottish team, and that shows the importance of having individuals capable of creating genuine influence from the bench.

Such type of presence might represent the difference between winning a World Cup from failure.

The All Blacks substitute watches the match develop from the bench while considering about how he can make a difference upon entering.

His decision-making and mistake frequency have improved substantially since his early career.

Role Discussion

If we can get Marcus to be such type influential player, including him among substitutes might prove valuable.

However, currently I believe he is the answer at full-back, making it a position that is still up for grabs.

New Zealand will kick testing the English defensive line, so it has remain impenetrable.

It is a position requiring to become a real strength, both defensively while regarding offensive transitions danger.

Currently, I believe Smith functions as full-back at the highest level.

I find it difficult to see the benefit fielding him there.

I prefer the ball in his hands as much as possible, though I think this should occur in the front line, particularly in the final 20 minutes.

Innate Qualities

Clearly there exist numerous parallels comparing Ford with Smith.

Smith possesses the capacity executing the correct choices during tense moments - his instincts represent traits you can really coach.

I remember as he received possession at one stage just inside his own half appearing that opportunity existed should they swung it wide.

But in those milliseconds he calculated the team required reversing the opposition since England were up on the scoreboard, therefore he punted to pressure the opponents and turn the screw.

This represents the type of playmaking securing championships and wins World Cups.

Complete Package

He additionally possesses composure under pressure directing the players around him, while recognizing that he mustn't constantly serve as primary option.

I want to see him given the opportunity demonstrating this at elite level next week, similar to the veteran accomplish, particularly during domestic matches week in consistently.

During the South American tour, the experienced fly-half also stood up during challenging situations, previously you could argue occasions existed he has not quite done so during extremely tense matches.

I believe England possesses two fly-halves capable of performing the role, though Smith's defence on top of everything else, establishes him as the better-rounded all-round player.

Defensive System

This also indicates you don't have to modify the defensive structure when you have an assertive player in the fly-half channel, instead of an individual being a little more reserved.

You could also present compelling arguments favoring Ford beginning with Smith coming off the bench.

Numerous factors occurring behind closed doors, but whichever way the coaches choose to proceed, this will present the opponents problems.

This hasn't consistently represented the situation facing New Zealand, when attention concentrated solely on selecting the optimal individual.

On this occasion, either playmaker they choose can put the All Blacks under real pressure.

Smith's capacity to pick optimal kicks while delivering enabling possible 50-20 can take pressure off the national team.